If you plan on purchasing lumber to use for a household project you intend to do in the near future, you will want to take the necessary steps in protecting it from damage. Failing to do simple maintenance steps in the care of your lumber could lead to unnecessary damage of the pieces, making them unusable as a result. Here are some tips you can use to ensure that the wood you purchases remains in the best possible shape when it comes time to use it for your project.
Find The Best Storage Area To Protect Your Lumber
It is best to store your lumber pieces in a spot away from the possibility of inclement weather. A garage or storage shed would work well at keeping your lumber secured in an area where it will remain dry and free of debris. If you need to place your lumber outdoors, consider placing a temporary car port tent over the pieces to aid in keeping them dry.
Store Your Lumber Flat So Warping Does Not Occur
Instead of storing your lumber vertically, it is best to have pieces stacked horizontally. This will aid in the elimination of the chance of warping or bending of the wood pieces. Make sure the bottom piece is resting flat in its entirety rather than just propping up the ends of the pieces. It is best to use a table or several pallets placed against each other so the lumber is lifted from the floor in your storage area. This will keep moisture from accumulating underneath the pieces while they are stored. Bricks or cinder blocks can then be placed upon the top piece to keep the entire stack flat while you await their use.
Cover Your Pieces For Added Protection
To help keep debris off of your lumber, an appropriate cover should be used to keep the pieces clean and dry. Use a plastic tarp to secure around your lumber if possible. This can be tucked under the bottom piece's edges to keep the stack completely protected against the possibility of moisture damage as well as pest invasions. If debris does settle upon your lumber due to the lack of a cover, brush it off with the use of a clean piece of moist microfiber cloth instead of rinsing the pieces with a garden hose. Allow the pieces to dry in their entirety before using them for the project.
